After decades struggling to protect her ancestors' burial places, now engulfed by San Francisco's sprawl, a Native woman from a federally unrecognized tribe and her allies occupy a development site to prevent desecration of sacred ground. When this fails to stop the development, they vow to follow a new path: to establish the first women-led urban Indigenous land trust. Beyond Recognition tells the inspiring story of women creating opportunities to preserve Native culture and homeland in a society bent on erasing them.

Through cinéma vérité, interviews, and stunning footage of the land, the film introduces Corrina Gould, Johnella LaRose, and Indian People Organizing for Change as they embark on an incredible journey to transform the way we see cities. The film invites viewers to examine their own relationship to place, revealing histories that have been buried by shifting landscapes.

Beyond Recognition points to the intersection of human rights, women's rights, and environmental protection, spotlighting a California story that has worldwide resonance.

Screening Highlights

Best Short, San Francisco Green Film Festival, 2015

American Indian Film Festival, 2015

Human Rights Film Festival, 2015

Cinequest Film Festival, 2015

Wild & Scenic Film Festival, 2015

Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, 2015

Native Spirit Film Festival, London, 2015

TV Broadcasts

Public Television, National series Natural Heroes, 2016

Public Television, National prime time broadcasts, 2015

Public Television, National broadcaster First Nations Experience (FNX), 2015

Premiere, Public television on KRCB for Native American Heritage Month, 2014 and Women's History Month, 2015